Weather-related delays cost the freight industry alone approximately $8.7 billion a year in the US. To help address these inefficiencies, The Weather Company, an IBM Business (NYSE: IBM), introduced a new Operations Dashboard for Ground Transportation, a solution which is designed to help optimize workforce productivity and route selection for freight and logistics companies. This comprehensive, customizable dashboard includes key information on weather and road condition information, such as precipitation, wind, fog, ice and pooling water. The dashboard also integrates real-time traffic flow and incident data, and flags safety hazards.
“By providing freight and logistics companies with a single view of critical weather and traffic information, we are providing them with the ability to make proactive decisions that can reduce inefficiencies and potentially keep their drivers out of harm's way,” said Mark Gildersleeve, vice president and head of business solutions, The Weather Company. “We understand that weather can be disruptive, but with the right insight companies can be prepared to make proactive decisions.”

The Operations Dashboard for Ground Transportation is designed to provide input across the trucking and fleet organizations. As part of the solution:
* Dispatchers will have access to a comprehensive dashboard of the network of vehicles and locations, with a view of relevant weather, traffic, and safety information on each route.
* Distribution Center Executives will have access to a dashboard-level view of weather and traffic that impacts the safety of relevant personnel and facility operations.
* Drivers will receive live, location-based alerts for current locations and upcoming locations based on current trajectory. Drivers will also have the ability to check weather and traffic while planning the day’s travel and during breaks.

Additionally, dispatchers can set up individualized alerts of approaching hazards that are delivered via API to an in-cab or mobile device. This alerting capability can track a driver’s trajectory and send alerts based on approaching weather. With weather updates as frequently every five minutes and down to a 500-meter resolution, drivers will be equipped to make more informed decisions from the road.